GROUND SUPPORT
Calling for reinforcements
Robotic operations are now extending into rock bolting and hang-up removal, while in bolts themselves aside from a lot of industry reorganisation, new concepts continue to be developed to increase performance and safety, reports Paul Moore
As well as important technology developments, there have been some important developments with regard to key market players in ground support. In February, Orica announced that it had“ completed the restructuring of its Minova group as a stand-alone business unit dedicated to ground control solutions for the mining, civil / tunnelling, geotechnical and construction industries. With a new, dedicated global management team, it will once again do business globally under the well known and highly regarded Minova name and brand, with a newly updated trademark and logo.”
“ When Minova was originally acquired by Orica in 2006, the business was successful with a brand trusted around the world. However, the business was challenged by changing global market conditions,” said Scott Alexander, former General Manager, Orica North America and newly appointed President of Minova.“ Orica provided robust global scale and an aggressive acquisition program that greatly expanded the scope and reach of the ground control business under Orica. However, the Minova brand had a long history and was revered by both customers and employees. Today’ s announcement reestablishes the Minova brand, which has always represented leadership in its field.”
Minova provides a complete portfolio of ground support products including resins and mechanical stabilising products, chemical and cementitious grouts and adhesives, ventilation control, as well as associated equipment sales and installation services.
In February 2016, DYWIDAG-Systems International( DSI) signed an agreement to acquire 50 % of the shares of JM Jining. After the Chinese authorities had approved this acquisition, the transaction was closed in mid- April 2016. DSI and Jennmar now each hold 50 % of the shares of the company in Jining.
JM Jining is a producer of ground support products. The company has a proud history of supplying local mines, operates out of two production halls in Jining and currently has more than 100 employees. Whilst the company will continue to develop its local presence, it will also develop an in-house manufacturing basis for DSI’ s international customer basis.
“ Under the guidance of DSI Underground, JM Jining will step by step continue to expand its offer of ground support systems for the benefit of DSI’ s global customer basis. JM Jining has
Virtual robot in the 3D scanning model of Penguin Automated Systems Inc Hang-up Assessment and Removal Robot System
adapted the highest quality standards. Testing and lab facilities in Jining help guarantee the high quality of the ground support systems produced by JM Jining.”
Michael Reich – CEO of DSI Underground – states:“ The formation of this joint venture is a milestone for our company. In a highly competitive environment, this joint venture will enable DSI to further improve its cost leadership position in the production of high quality ground support products for its customers in the global underground mining and tunnelling markets. I am very pleased to welcome JM Jining’ s strong team to DSI Underground.”
This development in China follows the main February announcement that Jennmar and DSI had signed an agreement under which DSI acquired Jennmar businesses in Australia, Europe, Latin America and the 50 % share in China. At the time DSI said that Jennmar China, along with well-established jointly owned businesses in South Africa and Australia, will operate under the ROCBOLT Technologies brand.
46 International Mining | AUGUST 2016